June 15, 2017

“One-stop shop” for LNG projects in PNG, says Lupari

Papua New Guinea Chief secretary Isaac Lupari says the new setup for the Gas Projects Coordination Office (GPCO) will boost synchronisation of all liquefied natural gas projects in the country.

Lupari was speaking at the official opening of the GPCO office located on the ninth floor of Pacific Place in downtown Port Moresby.

He acknowledged the stability the setup would provide unlike previously; which he said “had a nomadic life” moving to different environment and different buildings despite the important function it had.

“It is well documented that the industry plays a very significant role in terms of contributing to the gross domestic product (GDP), to the national purse.”

“And also in the creation of employment opportunities.”

“With new prospects being discovered, PNG is placed in a very unique position to be able to develop the resources that we own.”

“Coordination has been a very big problem for government. Having learnt lessons from how we were dealing with the first LNG project, the government, in its wisdom, saw fit to establish the gas office,” Lupari said.

“With this new place, we will be able to coordinate the existing projects and the many others that are in the pipeline. The big one of course, the Papua LNG, led by Total E&P PNG Limited.”

“The office will host the minister, and the secretary of the Department of Petroleum and Energy. Effectively, we will have a one-stop shop,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lupari said the investment in Pacific Place was worthy, given that it is owned by the landowners from Kutubu, Moran, Gobe and OK Tedi.

“For government and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) to invest in this property does say we want to be close to our people.”

“This building is a great investment for the landowners.”

“At the end of the day, it is money going into the pockets of our landowners, and this is one way also of benefiting from the gas industry in the country,” Lupari added.